UK vs West Germany — 1954 vs 1956
| TR2 Long Door | 356A Carrera GT Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 90 hp | 100 hp |
| Torque | 116 lb-ft | 83 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,991 cc | 1,498 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.9 sec | 10.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 105 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.3 sec | 17.0 sec |
| Weight | 1,896 lbs | 1,940 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,235 mm | 2,100 mm |
| Length | 3,835 mm | 3,950 mm |
| Units Produced | 8,636 | 700 |
| Original MSRP | $2,499 | $4,950 |
| Value (Excellent) | $85,000 | $800,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 9/10 |
The 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1954 Triumph TR2 Long Door counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Putting the 1954 Triumph TR2 Long Door against the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — UK versus West Germany. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1954 Triumph TR2 Long Door producing 90 hp and the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe delivering 100 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Triumph TR2 uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,991 cc, while the Porsche 356A relies on a Flat-4 DOHC (Type 547/1) with 1,498 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe edges ahead at 10.0 seconds versus 11.9 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 700 units built, the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Triumph TR2's 8,636 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1954 Triumph TR2 Long Door, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.